By Senator Ned Nwoko Esq.

The Anioma people spread across nine Local Government Areas are geographically nestled in the Delta North senatorial district. We share a long history and rich cultural ties with the Igbos. So, we are Igbos in every sense: by language, tradition, blood, and identity.

Yet, arbitrary distortions of colonial boundaries, the tragedy of civil war, and manipulations of post-war politics and narratives have exposed Anioma to a double burden: the pain of denial and the weight of marginalisation. Yet, our spirit is unbroken.

Today, as the representative of Anioma in the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I affirm with courage the reawakening that: Anioma is Igbo; Anioma deserves justice; and Anioma State must be created. This is not a plea. Not a supplication, it is a demand inspired by truth, fairness, and consciousness of true federalism.

Anioma before Colonial Boundaries

Anioma has always been part of the great Igbo nation; and it is our cherished heritage and reality. Our communities in Oshimili, Aniocha, Ika, and Ndokwa share ancestral trade and commerce, cultural, linguistic, and geographic bonds with the Igbo people across the Niger.

On trading characteristics, our market days are the same: Eke, Orie, Afo, and Nkwo. Similarly, our cultural affinity is undeniably intertwined as our masquerades, from Mgba to Okanga, mirror those in Onitsha, Nsukka, Awka, and Owerri.

Furthermore, linguistically, our names; Okonkwo, Nwafor, Nwanze, Odili, and Nkemdilim among others are the same nomenclatures you find across the Igbo nation. Morphologically, words such as bia (come), nua (welcome) also show profound connections and linguistic leaning between Anioma dialects (i.e. the dialects of the people of Delta North Senatorial District) and Igbo language, proving beyond doubt that Anioma people are part of the greater Igbo ethnolinguistic family.

In addition, the people of Delta North have always been variously described as Midwest Igbo, Ika Igbo, and Bendel Igbo. Even the government of Delta State, in its official ethnic classification, describes us as Igbo.

Today, we are often described as Delta Igbo, a description that reflects our location within Delta State but does not erase an incontrovertible truth that we are part of the Igbo group. So, our actuality is constant: Igbo is Igbo.

On geography, the map of Igbo land itself testifies to this reality. Asaba, Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, Illah, Agbor, Kwale, Aboh, Ndoni, and other Anioma communities appear firmly within the boundaries of the Igbo nation. Geography confirms what history and culture already prove: Anioma is Igbo land.

However, the British colonial administration, driven by convenience rather than culture, commerce, and not consanguinity, placed the Anioma in the Western Region while our tribesmen remained in the East. This artificial separation, erected by imperialism, became the seed of distortion, one that would later be watered by war and politics.

Anioma in the Throes of Wars

The Ekwumeku Colonial Resistance War (1883–1914)

Anioma’s history of resilience did not begin in modern times. Between 1883 and 1914, our people waged the Ekwumeku Resistance War, a guerrilla uprising against British colonialism that lasted over 31 years.

The Ekwumeku revolt staged by Anioma chiefs and able-bodied young men was a peculiar war, remarkable in strategy and awe-inspiring in scope. From Ibusa to Ogwashi-Uku, Issele-Uku to Ubulu-Uku, Anioma warriors resisted foreign domination with courage and unity. During this protracted conflict, many British soldiers and administrators were annihilated, making Anioma one of the fiercest centres of anti-colonial resistance in West Africa.

The Ekwumeku War is evidence that Anioma has never surrendered its identity, no matter the force of oppression. That a group of people armed with local weapons could wage and sustain a war for 31 long years, showed remarkable bravery and the height of nobility. A historic movement that partly laid the pathway for decolonization and the eventual independence of Nigeria.

Anioma in the Civil War and the Asaba Massacre

The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) harmed Anioma forever. Our land was caught in the middle, a frontier of brutal contest between Biafran forces and the federal army; and Anioma paid a heavy price.

The darkest memory remains the Asaba Massacre of October, 7, 1967. When federal troops entered Asaba, the people, dressed in white and chanting “One Nigeria”, came out seeking peace. Instead, they were rounded up. Men and boys were separated from women. In cold blood, they were executed. Hundreds were killed. With far-reaching consequences, it was a bizarre occurrence, the deadliest and most atrocious manifestation of the Nigerian civil war.

Historians like Elizabeth Bird and Fraser Ottanelli have documented how this was not just mass murder but an attempt at ethnic cleansing to punish the Anioma for being Igbo. Families were wiped out and entire lineages destroyed. A premeditated slaughter of innocent Anioma civilians and the trauma continues to echo in the hearts of our people.

Beyond Asaba, Anioma communities also suffered untold horrors. In Isheagu, Kwale, and several Ndokwa towns and villages, federal troops carried out brutal reprisals. Homes were burned, women were assaulted, young men were executed and communities were left in ruins.

Towns like Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, Issele-Uku, Ubulu-Uku, and many others across Aniocha, Oshimili, Ika, and Ndokwa bore the weight of this tragedy. Anioma bled not because of its geography, but because of its identity: Igbo.

Equity and Anioma Quest for Statehood

The creation of Anioma State is not just a regional demand; it is both a historic correction and a political necessity. So, it is a matter of national justice. The South-East is the only zone with five states, while others have six or seven. This imbalance translates into fewer senators, fewer representatives, fewer local governments, and less federal allocation. Anioma, as an Igbo homeland west of the Niger, is the natural candidate to correct this injustice. Therefore, the creation of Anioma State will fulfil Nigeria’s promise of equity and fairness.

Anioma State will not divide Nigeria; it will strengthen it. It will not isolate Anioma; it will integrate the Delta North Senatorial District fully into the federation. It will reinforce its Igbo lineage and identity; and affirm it on Nigeria’s map.

My Stand

Anioma people are not to be erased or silenced; rather they are to be recognised, celebrated, and established. Anioma people deserve a state; Anioma State is the future and the time is now.

As Senator representing Delta North, I state it clearly that: I support the creation of Anioma State; and it is not a privilege to be begged for, but a right long denied and justice long delayed.

Again, my quest for ANIOMA is not personal or political. The sustained marginalisation of Anioma people and the struggle for self-identity since colonial times rekindled my agitation for the creation of the Anioma state.

It is a stoic desire for a new dawn of Anioma renaissance.

• Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko,
Senator representing Delta North,
10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In democratic societies, the right to freedom of expression is sacrosanct, protected by law, and recognized as a fundamental human right. Yet, in Nigeria, cases of government agencies and institutions infringing upon this right continue to emerge with alarming frequency. The recent case of Nurse Osato Edobor, a student at the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, is yet another troubling example of this overreach.

The school’s query, issued on March 27, 2025, accuses Nurse Edobor of a “malicious act” simply for recording and sharing a video of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at a public event. The document claims that this act- singing along to a song and posting it on TikTok – violates disciplinary rules and could warrant punitive action. But how does recording and sharing a public event constitute a legal or ethical offence? The attempt to frame such an innocent act as misconduct is nothing but an overzealous attempt at censorship—one that threatens to set a dangerous precedent.

Freedom of Expression is a Global Standard

Internationally, freedom of expression is a protected right. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) guarantees that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression,” including the right to “seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” The European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly ruled against state-backed efforts to stifle public expression, emphasizing that freedom of speech extends to content that may be inconvenient or uncomfortable to those in power.

In the United States, the First Amendment protects individuals from government overreach in matters of speech and expression. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, courts have ruled that public institutions must act proportionally when enforcing rules that affect freedom of speech, ensuring that discipline does not infringe on fundamental rights. Even in African democracies like South Africa and Ghana, legal frameworks exist to protect citizens from arbitrary disciplinary measures for merely expressing themselves in public forums.

If these countries, with advanced legal systems, recognize that individual freedoms must not be sacrificed in the name of institutional discipline, why should Nigeria—a signatory to international human rights treaties—allow such an egregious attack on personal liberties?

The Dangerous Path of Institutional Overreach

The actions of the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences are not just an isolated case of administrative excess; they represent a growing pattern of authoritarianism within Nigeria’s educational and governmental institutions. The reasoning behind this query suggests that public employees and students must adhere to an unspoken culture of silence and servitude—where even harmless actions can be interpreted as subversion.

This is sycophancy in overdrive. The query states that Nurse Edobor was “found to be engaged in a malicious act of recording/singing and posting unofficial response to a song.” Malicious act? How does recording a First Lady’s arrival—at a public event—amount to a punishable offense? The claim that this act violated the student handbook is a textbook example of vague, arbitrary rules being weaponized to stifle personal freedoms.

If this continues unchecked, the consequences could be dire. Public servants and students alike will become increasingly fearful of expressing themselves, even in harmless ways. This fosters an environment where only the most sycophantic voices thrive – stifling creativity, engagement, and even legitimate discourse on national issues.

The query from the school aauthority 

National Consequences of Silence

Suppressing free expression in schools and public institutions does more than harm individuals; it erodes trust in governance. When people feel they cannot freely express themselves without facing punitive measures, they withdraw from public discourse. This leads to an environment where constructive criticism, necessary for democracy’s health, is drowned out by fear and compliance.

Moreover, such institutional overreach can foster resentment and disillusionment among the youth. At a time when Nigeria is grappling with brain drain and the mass exodus of skilled professionals, it is reckless to stifle young people’s voices instead of empowering them. Many students and professionals already feel suffocated by a system that values hierarchy over talent. This kind of suppression only accelerates their disconnection from national affairs, pushing them to seek better opportunities in countries that value their rights.

Calling for Sanity and Legal Prudence

The Provost of the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, Mrs. Evbodaghe Rita Ogonne, must reconsider the institution’s approach to discipline. If the objective is to maintain decorum and professionalism, there are far more reasonable ways to engage students without trampling on their rights. The authorities must understand that public events, especially those involving political figures, are inherently of public interest. Recording and sharing such events should never be considered misconduct.

Moreover, this incident should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian lawmakers and human rights advocates. There must be clear and enforceable legal protections against arbitrary disciplinary actions by government institutions. Institutions should not be allowed to cite vague rules as an excuse to suppress lawful expression.

The case of Nurse Osato Edobor is not just about one student facing an unfair query—it is about the broader struggle for free speech in Nigeria. If we fail to speak against this growing trend now, we risk normalizing a culture where silence is the only safe option. And in such a culture, democracy itself is at risk. GMTNewsng

● Samson Ezea

By this time last year, Enugu State Governor, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, marked his first birthday as Governor of Enugu State without fanfare. He was 52 then. Today, at 53, Governor Mbah exudes confidence, articulation, and a clear sense of purpose in his governance of Enugu State.

It is evident that the people of Enugu State and beyond are not merely celebrating the personality of Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah today. No, they have done so many times before. What they are truly celebrating are the unprecedented, transformative projects and policies he has implemented in less than two years, reshaping the state’s developmental landscape, restoring its lost glory, and making it an attractive destination for investors.

It is for these reasons and more that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, earlier this year, defied expectations and made his first official visit outside Abuja to Enugu State. The visit was to witness and commission the legacy, people-oriented projects of Governor Mbah’s administration- projects that have gained national and global attention.

President Tinubu did not only commend Governor Mbah but assured Ndi Enugu that in Mbah, they have a leader shaping their present and securing a better future for them and all Nigerians.

Across Enugu State, evidence abounds of how Governor Mbah has introduced innovative governance and delivered democracy dividends in ways that have surprised, inspired, and earned him widespread commendation.

Describing Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah – an accomplished maritime lawyer, financial analyst, public servant, oil magnate, and renowned entrepreneur – as a rare breed is not an overstatement. His journey, marked by hard work, focus, and divine grace, has positioned him as an exemplary leader at 53.

At a relatively young age, Mbah found himself in the corridors of power, serving as Chief of Staff to the Governor and later as Commissioner for Finance. He handled these roles with distinction, avoiding the allure of power that often consumes many in public office.

Unlike the typical Nigerian politician who clings to government circles, lobbying for positions, contracts, and patronage, Mbah quietly exited politics after his tenure in the Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani administration. He returned to Lagos, where he had previously been, in search of business opportunities.

Starting modestly in a small studio office in Victoria Island, he founded Pinnacle Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited. With determination and strategic foresight, Mbah transformed the company from a few retail filling stations to a global player in the competitive downstream oil sector. His vision materialized in the form of Africa’s largest tank farm at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, a milestone project commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2022 to national and international acclaim.

Mbah’s success with Pinnacle Oil and Gas is a testament to his business acumen, and it would not be surprising if his strategies become a case study in the global oil industry and entrepreneurial circles in the coming years. His ability to achieve such remarkable feats, despite a brief stint in politics and no prior major stake in the oil industry, underscores his ingenuity.

Thus, when Mbah re-entered the political arena in 2022 to contest for the governorship of Enugu State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his candidacy unsettled his opponents. His entry into the race changed the political equation, as he emerged as the most formidable candidate, towering above his peers before, during, and after the primaries and election.

Despite the intense political struggles, intrigues, and mudslinging on social media, Mbah remained undeterred, confident, and focused. He refused to be distracted by the smear campaigns orchestrated by opponents. Instead, he remained steadfast, keeping his eyes on the ultimate goal. His victory at the polls did not come easy, but by the grace of God, he now sits as the Governor of Enugu State.

At 53, and less than two years into his tenure, Mbah has introduced a governance model anchored on disruptive innovation, driven by a sense of urgency to achieve results. He has redefined Enugu’s governance, politics, and developmental structure, leveraging his experience from both the public and private sectors. Through his administration’s sweeping interventions in various sectors, he is methodically building the Enugu of the people’s dreams.

One of his early achievements was the swift termination of the IPOB-enforced Monday sit-at-home order, ensuring that businesses and economic activities could resume fully. He also repositioned the state’s security architecture to enhance peace and safety. Under his leadership, Enugu has become a massive construction site, with completed and ongoing projects in roads, healthcare, and smart school initiatives.

Some of the completed projects set to boost the state’s economy include the long-abandoned International Conference Centre and modern transport terminals at Holy Ghost, Nsukka, Abakpa, and Awkunanaw.

Beyond infrastructure, Mbah’s administration is driving transformative reforms across agriculture, housing, SMEs, tourism, health, water supply, ICT, civil service, environment, sports, and transportation. These initiatives are laying the foundation for Enugu’s economic elevation in both the immediate and long-term future.

Unlike previous administrations where politics overshadowed governance, Mbah has reversed the trend. Today, good governance, infrastructural development, and tangible democracy dividends take precedence. There is a paradigm shift in leadership recruitment and governance style, reshaping the political landscape of the state.

For Governor Mbah, good governance is the best form of politics. He has demonstrated this by prioritizing developmental projects, particularly road constructions in long-neglected suburbs such as Abakpa, Emene, Obiagu, Camp, Awkunanaw, Ugwuaji, and Agbani Road.

At 53, Governor Mbah has proven to Ndi Enugu that electing him was not a mistake. His actions and policies reassure the people that their trust in him was well placed. While the road ahead may not be easy, there is a clear light at the end of the tunnel, signaling that governance in Enugu will no longer be business as usual.

It is indeed worth celebrating that at 53, Governor Mbah has etched his name in gold, leaving indelible footprints in Enugu’s development trajectory. His relentless drive to create wealth and render selfless service to humanity continues to inspire.

A jinx breaker, an award-winning entrepreneur, and a transformational leader, Governor Mbah is on a mission to build a new Enugu that meets international standards and earns global economic recognition.

So, to the game-changer, the poster boy of good governance, the tech-savvy financial analyst, the digital governor, and a visionary leader of our time – we say: Ride on! Happy Birthday to the disruptive innovator, the outstanding personality, the goal-getter, the Anukaenyi of Owo, and The Sun Newspaper’s Governor of the Year 2023.

Ezea is former Special Adviser on Media to Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi former Enugu State Governor, he wrote in from Lagos